The Daily Star Ireland
Intel Ireland has declined to confirm reports that the company is preparing to lay off more than 20% of its global workforce, calling such claims rumor and speculation. The speculation follows a Bloomberg report suggesting the company could soon announce significant job cuts to streamline operations and address internal inefficiencies.
A spokesperson for Intel Ireland told RTÉ News there would be no official comment on the report. Intel currently employs around 4,900 people in Leixlip, Co Kildare, and about 300 at its Shannon facility, which is scheduled to close by the third quarter of 2025.
Government Monitoring Developments
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the government continues to engage with Intel, both in Ireland and the United States, ahead of the company’s upcoming Q1 financial results. Highlighting Intel’s €17 billion investment in Fab 34, which opened in 2023, Burke reiterated that Ireland remains central to Intel’s European semiconductor manufacturing strategy.
He added that any speculation about headcount changes should not overshadow Ireland’s longstanding partnership with the tech giant.
James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, also addressed the reports, describing Intel’s Leixlip base as well positioned due to its focus on advanced manufacturing and chip design. He expressed continued confidence in the plant’s role within Intel’s global strategy.
New CEO, Strategic Shifts
The reported layoffs would be the first major move by new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took over in March. Tan is reportedly leading a broad restructuring effort to flatten Intel’s leadership, refocus its AI strategy, and trim what he called a slow-moving layer of middle management.
Last year, Intel began a $10 billion cost-cutting plan that included cutting 15% of its workforce. The latest reports suggest additional cuts could follow as part of a continued push toward profitability and innovation in an increasingly competitive semiconductor landscape.
Tan has already made headlines by announcing changes in the company’s AI direction and reducing management layers so key chip design teams report directly to him.
Public and Political Reaction
Local politicians, including Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, cautioned against fueling rumors before official announcements. Farrelly emphasized the need for transparent communication from both Intel and the government to ease worker concerns, particularly in Kildare where Intel is considered a vital part of the local economy.
He also highlighted recent investments as a sign of ongoing commitment to the Leixlip site, offering hope that any potential layoffs may be less severe than feared.
Intel is scheduled to release its Q1 earnings tomorrow, which may provide clarity on whether job reductions are imminent and how Ireland fits into the company’s broader restructuring efforts. Until then, government officials and workers alike are bracing for answers.
